Postsecondary Counselor

Celebrating 25 years as an anchor institution in the North Lawndale Community, North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) is doubling down on its mission to not only empower students with the tools needed to successfully make it to and through college but to also become transformational leaders.

NLCP is a co-ed charter network serving approximately 600 students in grades 9-12. Our scholars - the majority of whom are low income - choose NLCP for its culturally responsive and rigorous academic model. Students know when they enroll at NLCP they are entering into a robust web of support and an uplifting community.

At the heart of NLCP's strong community is our commitment to five core employee values that guide the work we do and prepare us to serve students in transformational ways: trustworthiness, timeliness, teamwork, transparency, and trauma-informed. We believe that centering these values and continually growing and improving how they are practiced helps staff members build a safe and supportive environment for both students and fellow staff.

BENEFITS AND PERKS

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• $50K Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (Employer Paid)
• Long-Term Disability (Employer Paid)
• Accident Insurance (Employer Paid)
• Voluntary LifeLock Identity Theft Protection
• Additional Voluntary Benefits (Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Time Off
• Stipend

Position Summary

The Postsecondary Counselor will report directly to the Director of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising. The role requires strong knowledge of counseling theory and practice, especially the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs. The Postsecondary Counselor will work to foster a college-going culture, engage students in the process of college and career readiness, and provide support to students throughout their academic journey.

This individual will collaborate with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure students are equipped with the skills and guidance needed for success beyond high school. The role includes tracking student progress in three key areas: Academic Planning, Personal/Social Development, and College and Career Readiness, using data-driven strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver workshops and classroom lessons designed to enhance college and career readiness.
• Design initiatives that build community resources, helping students explore postsecondary opportunities.
• Introduce students to college and career exploration tools, such as personality and interest inventories.

School and Community Collaboration

• Partner with school administrators, teachers, and parents to build a strong postsecondary culture across the school community.
• Collaborate with community organizations, local businesses, and higher education institutions to provide students with additional resources and opportunities.
• Represent NLCP in parent meetings, community outreach programs, and events focused on college and career readiness.

Student Engagement

• Lead school-wide efforts to develop and improve best practices for student engagement.
• Work with the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Coordinator to address student disengagement and truancy issues.
• Create tailored supports for re-entry of students who have experienced long-term absenteeism.
• Design strategies to ensure students from special populations (e.g., transfer students, diverse learners) have appropriate supports.

Individualized Student Support

• Conduct assessments to identify student strengths, areas for improvement, and develop individualized postsecondary goals.
• Work collaboratively with the MTSS Coordinator to design intervention plans targeting attendance, academic performance, and behavioral challenges.
• Provide guidance and recommendations for academic scheduling, including the selection of courses and standardized test preparation (e.g., ACT).

College and Career Advising

• Assist with the development of transition programs from feeder schools, focusing on the academic and postsecondary preparedness of 9th-grade students.
• Coordinate quarterly events and activities for students and families focused on academic preparation, college applications, and financial aid.
• Help students research colleges, universities, vocational programs, and scholarships to ensure a good match and fit for each student's interests and goals.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in School Counseling with Type 73 Certification and 5+ years of experience in a high school setting (preferably in college counseling or college admissions).
• Experience implementing the ASCA National Model (2012) in a high school setting.
• In-depth knowledge of the college admissions process, financial aid, scholarships, and career pathways.
• Proven track record in leading K-12 education initiatives with an emphasis on postsecondary advising.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships with students, parents, and community members.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs and events simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using technology platforms for college research, applications, and communication.
• Reliable transportation and ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Good level of proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Drive) and general computer applications.

As a condition of employment with North Lawndale College Prep, candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.